Bespoke help needed for struggling readers

Ofsted has published a research report looking at how high-performing secondary schools provide targeted support for struggling readers.

The aim of the study was to explore how schools make sure that pupils who leave primary school unable to read age-appropriate books fluently can become proficient readers and keep up with all their other curriculum subjects.

The six schools Ofsted visited for the research were chosen because a higher-than-expected proportion of their initially poor readers achieved a pass in English language at GCSE. In these schools, Ofsted found that senior leaders prioritised reading by investing in additional, bespoke help for struggling readers and training for staff who taught reading. Teachers also accurately identified gaps in pupils’ reading knowledge, and staff who taught reading had expertise in teaching weaker readers.

Clear procedures were in place to monitor this teaching and its impact on struggling readers. As pupils’ reading improved, they gained confidence and became more motivated to engage with reading in class

Ofsted’s Chief Inspector Amanda Spielman said: "The ability to read is a fundamental life skill. However, secondary school leaders and teaching staff should be aware that a significant number of their pupils are lacking the basics.

"All children, with very few exceptions, should leave school proficient readers. That’s why it’s essential that children who leave primary school unable to read well get the additional teaching they need to participate both academically and in wider society."